Why so expensive to get ID in the UK? Why no free national identity cards?

Beachcomber372

LinLui said:

Beachcomber372 said:

Why aren't all UK citizens issued a free National Idenity Card?

You genuinely think that any UK government would give you something for free?

I pay my taxes,  National Insurance, council tax etc...

Beachcomber372

DullGreyGuy said:

Beachcomber372 said:

My partner and 16,19 and 21 year old sons need ID for opening bank accounts. Proving their identity is very difficult so we've decided to apply for passports for them even though we have no intention of going abroad. All the costs of getting 4 passports is going going to cost about £450 and they will need renewing every 10 years at more cost. How can people on a low income be expected to pay so much just to prove who they are to do basic things like opening a bank account, voting etc.. Why aren't all UK citizens issued a free National Idenity Card?

Think yourself lucky, to renew the wife's non UK passport is USD$200 paid to the equivalent of HMPO and a further £75 paid to the UK consulate. After paying £225  it's a 6-9 month wait. 

Most will accept a provisional driving license as !!!!!! of ID so much cheaper for three of them, the 16 yo can use their birth certificate, most accept it for under 18s

Birth certificate was not enough. Need ID for a provisional drivers licence as well.

DullGreyGuy

Beachcomber372 said:

DullGreyGuy said:

Beachcomber372 said:

My partner and 16,19 and 21 year old sons need ID for opening bank accounts. Proving their identity is very difficult so we've decided to apply for passports for them even though we have no intention of going abroad. All the costs of getting 4 passports is going going to cost about £450 and they will need renewing every 10 years at more cost. How can people on a low income be expected to pay so much just to prove who they are to do basic things like opening a bank account, voting etc.. Why aren't all UK citizens issued a free National Idenity Card?

Think yourself lucky, to renew the wife's non UK passport is USD$200 paid to the equivalent of HMPO and a further £75 paid to the UK consulate. After paying £225  it's a 6-9 month wait. 

Most will accept a provisional driving license as !!!!!! of ID so much cheaper for three of them, the 16 yo can use their birth certificate, most accept it for under 18s

Birth certificate was not enough. Need ID for a provisional drivers licence as well.

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/banking-made-easy/help-us-identify-you/

HSBC accept both as per the above. You would need proof of address in addition to proof of ID but generally thats much easier as most people will have another account or a school letter etc. 

Beachcomber372

retiredbanker1 said:

As an example Lloyds has ways you can open accounts without photo ID

Proof of identity

• Current EU/EEA passport, photo driving licence or identity card.
• All other current signed passports.
• HMRC Tax Notification.
• Young Scots Card.
• Blue disabled drivers pass.
• Benefits entitlement letter.
• UK Armed Forces ID Card.
• Home Office Immigration Status Document accompanied by proof of right to reside.
• Home Office Application Registration Card.
• Northern Ireland Voters Card

Proof of address

• Current EU/EEA photo driving licence.
• Benefits entitlement letter.
• HMRC Tax Notification.
• Local authority tax bill for the current year.
• Utility bill (such as gas or landline phone bill) dated within the last six months.
• Bank, building society or UK credit union statement.
• UK, EU/EEA mortgage statement.
• Current UK provisional driver’s licence.
• UK credit card statement.
• Tenancy agreement issued by a solicitor, housing association, local council or reputable letting agency.

You need one item from each list.

Lots of young people may not even have those

Beachcomber372

unforeseen said:

Why aren't all UK citizens issued a free National Idenity Card?

Because the people who wear tinfoil hats made a fuss about how the government would be able to track them and gather more information.

If people have nothing to hide what's the problem?

boingy

I'd also like the option of a National ID Card, with emphasis being on "option". I'd support optional cards but probably not compulsory ones.

The current system is a problem at both ends of our lifetime. Youngsters don't have driving licences and may not have passports. And when we get old we'll likely have to give up our licence due to health issue and probably won't need a passport any longer.

Given that we've now got the option of voter ID cards it seems obvious to extend that scheme a little. Well, obvious to anyone outside of politics. 

unforeseen

Beachcomber372 said:

unforeseen said:

Why aren't all UK citizens issued a free National Idenity Card?

Because the people who wear tinfoil hats made a fuss about how the government would be able to track them and gather more information.

If people have nothing to hide what's the problem?

I've no idea. I would be quite happy with one.
Most other countries have them in one form or another. It just seems that Brits are paranoid about them for some reason

DavidT67

Beachcomber372 said:

My partner and 16,19 and 21 year old sons need ID for opening bank accounts. Proving their identity is very difficult so we've decided to apply for passports for them even though we have no intention of going abroad. All the costs of getting 4 passports is going going to cost about £450 and they will need renewing every 10 years at more cost. How can people on a low income be expected to pay so much just to prove who they are to do basic things like opening a bank account, voting etc.. Why aren't all UK citizens issued a free National Idenity Card?

Apply for provisional driving licenses, less expensive than passports.  It doesn't matter if you have no intent to learn to drive.

ColdIron

Beachcomber372 said:

retiredbanker1 said:

As an example Lloyds has ways you can open accounts without photo ID

Proof of identity

• Current EU/EEA passport, photo driving licence or identity card.
• All other current signed passports.
• HMRC Tax Notification.
• Young Scots Card.
• Blue disabled drivers pass.
• Benefits entitlement letter.
• UK Armed Forces ID Card.
• Home Office Immigration Status Document accompanied by proof of right to reside.
• Home Office Application Registration Card.
• Northern Ireland Voters Card

Proof of address

• Current EU/EEA photo driving licence.
• Benefits entitlement letter.
• HMRC Tax Notification.
• Local authority tax bill for the current year.
• Utility bill (such as gas or landline phone bill) dated within the last six months.
• Bank, building society or UK credit union statement.
• UK, EU/EEA mortgage statement.
• Current UK provisional driver’s licence.
• UK credit card statement.
• Tenancy agreement issued by a solicitor, housing association, local council or reputable letting agency.

You need one item from each list.

Lots of young people may not even have those

But they will have soon, it's part of becoming an adult

You can't be a child forever

JadedAngel88

I recently had to return my driving license to DVLA because I'm not allowed to drive due to medication I take.  

I don't have a passport and was stumped for something to prove my id. I have a citizen card. 

https://www.citizencard.com/apply-for-a-uk-id-card-online

It does say they charge £15 but I found a code so it was free. The codes can easily be found online. Apparently NUS or FREEVOTERID will work.